The Dallas Mavericks travel to the desert to play the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday.

Neither the Mavericks or the Suns found the top of the standings last season, as both teams ended up on top of the 2018 NBA Draft board instead. The Mavericks traded up to the number three pick and drafted touted European prospect Luka Doncic, while the Suns took DeAndre Ayton with the number one overall pick. Both teams retooled with young talent to make a better run at the 2018-2019 season.

The Suns were eyeing the health of Devin Booker (hand), who underwent surgery in early September, but said he was both ready and excited to start in the opener after being given a six week timetable to return. Booker led the Suns in scoring with 24.9 points per game, which was good for 10th overall across the league. Phoenix is expected to start Ayton at Center, in addition to former Houston Rockets wing Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson rounding out the rest of the front court.

The Mavericks will be shorthanded in the opener, with both Harrison Barnes (hamstring) and Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) sidelined until later this month. The outlook is still positive for the Mavericks, who retooled in the offseason after a 24-58 campaign last season. The aforementioned Doncic is expected to see time at Small Forward, while second year electric point guard Dennis Smith will be paired with Wes Matthews to lead the back court. Dallas added DeAndre Jordan in the offseason to bolster a defensive effort around the rim and consistency at Center, as the veteran has averaged a double-double for five straight seasons.

The Suns prevailed in all three matchups against the Mavericks last season.